Chella Man invited 13 disabled artists to explore ‘Pure Joy.’ Here’s what they have to say
a young adult book released last year, and a jewelry collaboration with Private Policy, Chella Man continues to defy cultural and societal limitations based on how others perceive his trans, deaf and queer identities.
Most recently, the multi-hyphenate has harnessed his network of trailblazers to curate a new art exhibition, “Pure Joy,” on display at New York City’s 1969 Gallery through August 13, 2022.The group show, featuring 13 emerging and mid-career artists, “acknowledges the persistent tokenization of disabled artists, contradicting this cycle by centering ideologies of pleasure rather than pain,” according to a statement from the gallery. “The show serves as a reclamation and celebration of our humanity.”Related: Chella Man on how art and chosen family helped him take on depressionQuerty asked some of the artists to describe their connection to “Pure Joy.” A post shared by Jerron (@jerronherman)“Pure joy is something farther, and more precious, than happiness.
Joy is the fiery affirmation that one is living and living well; that life is worth living at all.” – Jerron Herman A post shared by Emilie Louise Gossiaux (@emilielouisegossiaux)“Pure joy is the unconditional love I feel from my guide dog, and from my partner, to be myself with them, and not feel judged.
It also brings me so much joy to be able to give care to another being, and feel cared for in return.” — Emilie Louise Gossiaux A post shared by Rebecca Watson Horn (@rebecca_watson_horn)“My painting process is about healing and fostering peaceful mind-states while observing the way language and thoughts exist in the body.
